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Cheery idea wins students trade fair spot in Slovakia

Above: The winning Young Enterprise team from Wallace, Le Dessin

Above: The winning Young Enterprise team from Wallace, Le Dessin

A Young Enterprise company from Wallace High School which produces art to cheer people up in tough economic times has won the Northern Irish place at the European Trade Fair in Slovakia next month.

The company, Le Dessin, is made up of nine students and produces hand-painted canvasses for sale at trade fairs across the province. The company decided to produce something bright and cheerful in these times of austerity.

This year almost 2,400 Young Enterprise companies were setup across the UK, so competition for places at this prestigious event was fierce.

A delighted Ellen Shannon, Managing Director of Le Dessin, said: "We submitted our application hopefully, but never dared to think we'd actually win and now we're off to represent Northern Ireland on a European level so here's hoping for even more good results!"

Each company is supported by a link teacher and Karen Neill, who fulfils the role at Wallace, said: "We have enjoyed success with Young Enterprise

in past years and I am delighted to have taken another team through to another European Trade Fair". The three day event in Slovakia is not just a trading opportunity, but sees companies from across Europe coming together to learn business skills and take part in other team-building activities.

Ellen continued: "It's such a prestigious event and our company cannot wait to go. Young Enterprise holds other training days throughout the year which are really useful, and we're really
grateful that we have this opportunity available in school."

The Principal of Wallace, Deborah O'Hare, said: "I am delighted that 'Le Dessin' has deservedly been selected to represent Northern Ireland in Slovakia."

Ulster Star
11/02/2011